Comcast deploys fiber sensing technology for real-time network monitoring

Comcast deploys fiber sensing technology for real-time network monitoring

Comcast is using fiber sensing technology to monitor activity across its network in real time. The company says the technology is intended to help it identify potential problems earlier, respond more quickly, and prevent outages.

Detecting activity around fiber lines

The system uses Comcast’s existing fiber lines to detect and pinpoint activity occurring around the network. It can distinguish between different types of activity, including a subway train passing near an underground cable or construction equipment operating close to buried fiber.

When the system identifies activity that could indicate a problem, it can alert Comcast and provide an early warning. The technology is expected to help the company identify network issues such as fiber cuts, including damage caused by vandalism or nearby construction.

“Customers count on our network every moment of every day, and our job is to make the incredible complexity behind that connection invisible to them,” said Elad Nafshi, chief network officer at Comcast. “Our fiber sensing technology is another way we’re leveraging network intelligence, at scale, to deliver a more reliable, responsive and resilient experience for customers.”

Nafshi has previously raised concerns about attacks on the company’s network. Although vandals may target copper infrastructure, they can also damage fiber lines. Comcast has also used artificial intelligence to monitor its network with greater precision and determine where fiber cuts occur.

Potential uses for AI and automated response

Comcast said it could combine fiber sensing with AI, data, and other technologies to support additional capabilities. One possible application would be automatically dispatching a drone to provide a real-time view of network damage, vandalism, wildfires, or accidents.

Such a system could give network teams more information about an incident and help reduce response times.

“The more visibility we have across the fiber that connects our network, the better we can anticipate problems, respond faster, and minimize the impact to customers,” Nafshi said.

“We have the engineering and innovation expertise to develop capabilities like fiber sensing and demonstrate their impact in the real world. We’re excited to deploy this technology across our network and explore how it can help improve reliability across the broader fiber infrastructure our services rely on.”